Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals and InquiriesUse this subforum for all requests as to "How much is this vintage bike worth?"Do NOT try to sell it in here, use the Marketplaces.

Hello all; new to this forum, but not to forums in general nor bicycling. First-ever bicycle-forum post anywhere.

That said; to the point we go. I am looking at a Lugged Steel frame 1993 (apx) Specilized Epic road bike for sale at a local bike shop. Generally speaking, the bike is in probably 8.5 out of 10.0 shape by my evaluation. Few scratched and chips on frame paint, excellent shape mechanically. It is the correct frame size (58 cm); since I'm around 6'1". It's a little tight in terms of stretch-out ability in the saddle. A few short adjustments will rectify that on seat and headset tube length.

Now for the big draw - all componets, down to the wheel hubs themselves are Shimano Dura-Ace. It's old-school too, meaning simple levers on the down tube. Eight-speed rear cassette. All works perfectly smoothly and snaps right into each gear. Brakes are tight, Mavic rims are true and tight. New tires, cable, bearings, etc. Needs nothing.

Now the issue: $799 asking price. I'm prepared to offer $650, but even with such high-end componets, this seems too high still. In the area I live used road bikes of any stripe are rare, so fiding one in decent shape, the right size, with great components, that I would really enjoy riding is a true find. But I don't want to loose my shirt. What are other's thoughts on this "deal?"

Pass. Look harder, you can find bikes just about everywhere. Be ready to drive a distance for a bike. Prices at a bike shop are usually going to be higher, due to their overhead, costs, and customers will pay more (kind of like buying a used car at a car dealer versus a private sale).

1993 Epic was lugged carbon frame, and came with Dura Ace STI, so they have the age wrong.

Good to know that this is a considerably earlier bike. I looked at a Lugged Carbon Fiber Alez at the same dealer, it just sold out from under me. It was a full 105-component bike, and was around $500.

I've been searching for used bikes thorugh craigslist and a few other sources. Not much luck even in the Chicago area. Most of these older road bikes seem to have been converted to fixies, or are just generally over priced. Thanks for the tip - any other thoughts about this one?

I would have a problem paying $800 for a 20 year old bike. I guess I am too thrifty. I have yet to pay $800 for a keeper bike (or $650 either). Part of it is a matter of convenience, and how hard you want to look. There are good bikes available in IL. Every trip I take home to IL, I come back with bikes. I avoid the Chicago market pretty much as prices there are higher than where I live.

Think I found a better and much less expensive option. Found a semi-professional bike flipper in the Chicago metro area with a Klien that is a 57 cm, built up with mostly older Campy components, and 105 brakes. Has tri-bar handlebars, very nice, clean condition overall. Knows the bike well, re-builds and sells 10 - 12 bike a year as a side business in addition to being a bicycling enthuiast. Price is $475. Seems pretty decent overall, as long as the fit is close and it rides well, it's going to come home with me Saturday. My job is really busy and I don't have tons of time to look around. I would like to get on something soon and get some miles in before the weather goes downhill.

Interesting - Thirfty Bill - but in Central Illinois where I'm from, bicycles, imported cars and motorcycles all sell for a premium over the Chicago area. simply due to the sheer volume on the market. For example, I did a search for 2004 - 2007 Acura TL's in this aera and found 4 listed in a 50-mile radius. Whereas in a Chicago-area 50 mile radius, 165 of the same car came up. Simpy put - supply & demand. You have many more to choose from, and sellers know that if you won't deal on price, the customer will just drive 10 miles and pick up another one similar to it with someone who will.

Well, I turned down the Klien today as well. Had a feeling I would when I saw the veichle the seller was driving up with it attached to. Oh- well, too many mis-matched components, barley working brakes, lots of scratches, chips and nicks on the frame...wonder if it may have been tweaked at some point. He was also a little too honest, mentioned that he bought the frame in a bicycle auction for $100. (Gasp!) Didn't ride all that bad, but I still wonder if some of the "Campy" components were actualy knock-offs. Saved my money and glad I did for now.

I would rather buy one very good bike than just somthing to get from A to B to C at this point.